Coach Beck Returns To Sooner State

PRAIRIE GROVE -- Head softball coach Dustin Beck has resigned after four seasons at Prairie Grove.

Beck, who is from the Poteau, Okla., area, has taken a job at LeFlore, Okla., a small school, and said he wanted to be a little closer to home in citing his reason for leaving a program that finished 19-11 overall and 7-5 in the blended 3A/4A District 1 in the 2017 season. The Tigers played 4A-1 Conference champion Gravette tough, losing 3-1, on April 17. After opening the District tournament with a 14-4 run-rule win over Berryville, the Lady Tigers lost in the semifinals and placed fourth to qualify for the 4A North Regional. Their season concluded with a 10-0 loss to Pottsville on May 5.

"We didn't end the way we wanted to," Beck said.

Yet, he believes the program is stronger than when he took over in the school year, 2013-2014.

"I feel like things are going in the right direction," Beck said. "You want to improve and keep getting better. We did that. I feel things are better than they were four years ago."

In modesty, Beck attributes the improvement within the program to the student/athletes.

"That's the girls, working hard, being committed, doing the things they're asked to do, that has nothing to do with me," Beck said.

Prairie Grove athletic director Tommy Roy confirmed Beck's resignation and said the coaching position has been posted. The district is taking applications for a head softball coach.

Beck wanted to thank the administration, parents, fans and community for their support of the program and to the players for the hard work they put into softball.

"There is a bright future here."